Restoring Retro in Home and Dress

06/02/2017

1940s Pink Linen Maternity Dress

My first actual maternity dress from a vintage pattern has a fitted back and tie belt, with a loose front panel. I didn't want to use special fabric, so I tried it out first in this pink and tan striped linen, which looked to me like a good house dress print and was coarse enough that I didn't mind using it as a wearable muslin for the tryout.

The girdle is cut in one with the top back piece, but I had some trouble attaching it in the side seams so I ended up just seaming it together as if it had been separate pieces, and it still works.

The front panel is fuller in person than on the pattern photo, and I didn't like how it looks quite as well as some other styles, but it certainly was comfortable, and I imagine will be even more comfortable later along in the pregnancy. (Just the same, I think I will try a different style next time, with the fullness in the back.)

Because it's so full, I had trouble hemming it evenly, because depending on how snugly it lays it will appear longer in the front. Oh, well - at least when my belly is pushing it out later on it should look even instead of too short in the front.

The contrasting collar and sleeve tabs are simple but still add cute trim. I like the way they mirror each other in shape.

I added a front zipper. That, along with the open waist, makes for easy on and off.

It was one of those projects that went together without any hitches, and was basic enough that another time it might be boring. :-)

I may try this pattern again in rayon, but if I do, I'll take the front panels in a bit so they aren't quite so full. But I'll be surprised if I get around to another version because I only have 3 1/2 more months to wear maternity and meanwhile I have some other patterns I want to try!